Keylor Navas has made it clear that he plans to become Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, despite Kiko Casilla’s recent arrival from Espanyol.
Rafa Benitez remarked before Saturday’s penalty-shootout defeat to Roma in the International Champions Cup that the Costa Rican would be his No 1 until further notice, and the 28-year-old is ready to repay his Coach’s faith after starting the match in Melbourne.
“We played against a good opponent and took positive conclusions [from the match],” he said after the game.
“We must respect [Iker Casillas’] decision [to leave the club] and wish him all the best.
“Kiko Casilla is a great goalkeeper and if Madrid signed him then it’s because he has good qualities. Competition is good, and I’ll fight him [for the No 1 spot] with humility and respect.
“I’m very comfortable and have great faith in God. He wanted me to recover from my injury and now I’m at 100 percent.
“Now I can do what I enjoy again, which is training at 100% and awaiting first-team opportunities.
“I can only speak of the present, the players that are already here and my desire to earn a place in the team.
“[Rafa Benitez] has spoken to everyone in length, not just me, and knows how to handle things.
“I’ll keep fighting for a place in the team and I want to be No 1. I want to see out all five years of my contract. I’m happy here and I want to win many trophies [with Madrid].”
